Nature's Perfection!

Poetry in photo images taken with my iphone in Central Park, New York.

Sometimes, nature is quiet, it speaks to us in whispers- in its own special language,
In Poetry.  

  Shear Bliss...Shear perfection.
Flawlessly exquisite.

Nature Struck!

Nature-

How can one describe the absolute exquisite beauty in nature

Whose palette reflects a rainbow of colors 

Magnifies one's sense of both bewilderment and awe

Perfection in each and every facet of precision

Art in it's purest, most natural form.

Nature-

With an eternal essence

And universal timing

Like synchronized clockwork

Profound

 

Arousing

Connecting

Breathtaking

Designs and patterns of such intensity

  

Leaves even living on the water's table top edge.

Releasing energies that  cry out with fragrant bouquets of joy

Mystical, magical, magnificent.

 Containing petals of exacting spirals, cylinders, rectangular oblong shapes

With the touch of the softest, delicate brushed velvet,

 In gradations of thickness, 

Layers holding centuries of history within each hidden petal.

Stories unfolding-

Singing their own melodic songs with valiance and grace

In a language all their own.

Pure Perfection.

Contrasts 

 Integrating yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Reflective.

We must appreciate the treasures that are unearthed before us

   And nurture them...

Just as it's imperative for us to nurture  

 Ourselves and those of one another.

There is art where ever we look, 

In all that we do -in all of our souls.  

A Tree for All Seasons- A Surreal Arboreal Experience: An Insider's Glimpse of A Matriarch Tree's Life

Julie Prichard over at Land of Lost Luggage and JeriAnn are hosting a wonderful collaborative project on the life of a tree over the course of the seasons, titled Arboreal which you can learn more about here. We select a tree and photograph it three times- over the course of several seasons. Julie is interested to see both the changes to the selected trees and the environment that the trees live in. The approximate photographing dates are:

Week of August 23, 2009

Week of November 8, 2009 Week of April 4, 2010

With so many trees to pick from, I decided on one of my very favorites which is across the street from where I live. It's not a flowering tree or perfectly formed, it's not standing upright and true to form. But rather, it's very old, weathered and bent all the way over. Here's her run way shot.

And moving a little closer to her.

Her branches are so far outstretched that when I look at the picture, it almost seem as if it is the trunk and needs to be rotated upright.

The tree has the most wonderful layered, textured, multi toned bark, has injury sites, worn out limbs, and has seen the neighborhood change over what must be the most amazing lifespan.

Since the first time I saw this tree, I've called her "Grandma Willow". Although she's not a willow tree, my first glance of her reminded me of the tree in the story of Pocahontas- wise, all knowing, and one to be revered and honored throughout its life.

Even when you look up to her, you never quite see her crown!

It's roots must be far underground since they are nowhere to be seen. It's as if she just magically sprout up from the earth.

This tree bends over backwards to hold her own, and makes no joke that she is the matriarch of the neighborhood. This beautiful tree is not moving for anyone or anything. Although the one way and yield sign are standing strong, this tree is not obliging or moving aside. As a result, you might be able to see that the sign has actually now found it's way into the tree's branch.

Cobwebs have settled into her crevices- finding comfort, security and shelter within her.

She has joints where ever you look.

When the autumn comes and she must shed her clothes, I'll show you the strength and backbone that she truly carries! Right now, she dons a beautiful rich green ivy which encircles her body-reaching up across her spine.

She bears her own beautiful leaves- large strong and shining for all to see. They carry a single point, almost to make a point.

Here, Grandma Willow has put on her party clothes, ready for her last hurrah of the season. She promises to be back in the Fall!

The Maine Event - In Pictures

I spent a few days in Maine - and experienced such natural beauty all around me.

The flowers were shining without a care in the world, showing off their brilliant petals, colors and vibrancy for all to see - and looking on was a dancing bumble bee.

With gentle fluttering butterflies for all to see.

And colors so inviting that they looked as if they were just mixed on an artist's palette.

With fruits of the earth equally vibrant in their color and form.

Maine was also a haven for antiquing - and how I loved looking at all the beautiful reminders of yesterdays. Old objects leave a special glimmer for all who can appreciate them - with memories still afloat in remnants of vestiges from long ago.

There were so many old artists' posters and prints to make your heart pound-

And where ever you looked, there were so many faces of all kinds - clowning around.

And is it possible that even statues can have their own secrets to laugh about?

There were classic styles of a bygone era-

And heads of time past-

With an old Fanny Brice Doll cheering us on, telling jokes

Knowing who will laugh last!

And faces from long ago- from other lands.

And, of course we had to see the sights of what Maine is noted for -

Its gleaming sea - just picture perfect

Filled with playful rowboats of all colors and sizes!

And coastline waters seem to jump right out to meet and greet passer's by-

Letting them know who's boss by its lion roar and sound of thunder

As its waves crashing against the shore's rough and rocked jagged edges.

And shells filled with stories from a time not known to us are sold: imparting their royal looks to the lucky buyer with a heart of gold.

And everywhere, there are fisherman's traps for catching lobsters

The royalty of the water's purse.

And to accompany them are the colorful buoys- to lift your spirits and make you smile.

And when the hustle and bustle of the day is enveloped into the quiet time of early evening... When the sun starts to gently fade away

With thoughts of reflection on our day's happenings,

Our tomorrows comings will slowly unfold.

The time comes for all to sleep

With the freedom to explore unlimited possibilities

And dream - larger than life

And all of our energies bonded together with grace and style

To spontaneously break out into a gentle soulful smile.

And then, when the sweet morning gently peeks its head out,

We wake to the start of a new day of opportunity

To explore the world before us,

To create and think

As far as our imagination can travel

And as wide as our mind can soar.